Donna Karan steps down from her post at Donna Karan International

After 30 years at the helm, Donna Karan has decided to step down from her post as chief designer at Donna Karan International, the brand announced Tuesday. The founder and pioneer in women's fashion will stay with the company in an advisory role, but will be dedicating more time to her company and foundation Urban Zen.

The LVMH-owned brand is not seeking an immediate replacement for her role, and will be halting its runway shows and collections for a period of time.

Karan confirmed her departure in a statement Tuesday night:

"Donna Karan New York is a part of me, past, present and future. ... I want to express my gratitude and my deepest feelings to the dozens and dozens of colleagues over the years who have helped take Donna Karan New York far beyond my wildest dreams."
Donna Karan, Founder

Karan founded DKI in 1984, after a run as co-designer at Anne Klein, and the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1996. In regards to Urban Zen, Karan expressed a desire to "follow my vision of philanthropy and commerce with a focus on health care, education and preservation of cultures."

Click through below to see Donna Karan through the years:

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Donna Karan steps down from her post at Donna Karan International

Donna Karan and fellow designer Louis Dell'Olio pose amongst fabric in a New York City workroom.

Photo Credit: Rose Hartman, Getty Images

With Anna Wintour and Carolyne Roehm at the 69th Regiment Armory.

Photo Credit: Ron Galella, Getty Images

During the grand opening of Seventh On Sale at the 26th Street Armory.